Big car shows just really aren't my cup of tea. Give me a small, 50 to 100-car "local" show any day of the week. 

Editor Angelo and many of my friends are heading for the Minnesota Street Rod Association's "Back to the '50s" event next week. If you would like to go to an event that honestly draws 10,000 to 12,000 cars, you should be there, too.

As for me, I'll find a show in a small Wisconsin town where I can bring a picnic lunch and see just enough vehicles to make it an enjoyable day.

I understand that the big shows are great for buying and selling things, but when I go to a show, my goal is to relax, make just a few new friends and maybe shoot pictures of a car or two.

There are times when I need to attend big shows like Iola and Bloomington Gold as part of my free-lance writing career, but most other weekends I just want to play the "retirement card." Visiting smalerl shows within a few hours drive seem to be best for that. (Plus, you save gas and usually help out a local civic group or charity).